Many famous photographers such as Henri Cartier Bresson, Margaret Bourke White, and Max Desfor took powerful and historic photographs of Mahatma Gandhi. These images appear in books, museums, and history lessons. However, the image most people instantly recognize today is the one printed on Indian currency notes.
You might think that Gandhi’s photo appeared on Indian money immediately after independence in 1947. After all, he is known as the Father of the Nation. But that is not true.
In reality, Gandhi’s portrait became a regular feature on all Indian banknotes only in 1996. This change happened when the Reserve Bank of India, also known as RBI, officially introduced the Mahatma Gandhi Series of currency notes.
Why Currency Notes Carry National Leaders
Currency notes are not just tools for buying and selling. They also represent a country’s identity, values, and history.
Many nations place respected leaders on their money, such as:
George Washington and Benjamin Franklin on United States currency
Muhammad Ali Jinnah on Pakistan’s banknotes
Mao Zedong on Chinese currency
In India, Gandhi’s image appeared on currency in different forms for many years. However, it became permanent across all denominations only after 1996. Since then, every Indian banknote carries his portrait, reminding you of his role in India’s freedom struggle and moral values.
How Gandhi’s Image First Appeared on Indian Currency
During British rule, Indian currency notes carried the image of King George VI. After independence in 1947, India removed the British monarch’s portrait.
The government replaced it with the Lion Capital of Ashoka from Sarnath, which later became India’s national emblem.
Mahatma Gandhi appeared on Indian currency for the first time in 1969. This was done to mark his 100th birth anniversary. That special note showed Gandhi at Sevagram Ashram.
Before Gandhi’s image became common, Indian banknotes featured famous monuments and symbols, such as:
- Ashoka Pillar
- Konark Sun Temple on the ₹20 note
- Brihadeeswarar Temple on the ₹1,000 note
- Gateway of India on the ₹5,000 note
The Real Photograph Used on Indian Banknotes
The image of Gandhi on Indian currency is not a drawing or an artist’s impression. It comes from a real photograph taken in 1946.
In this photo, Gandhi is standing beside Lord Pethick Lawrence, a British politician. The RBI selected this image because it shows Gandhi smiling, which is rare in most photographs of him.
This smiling expression made the image more human, warm, and easily recognizable.
Why RBI Chose Gandhi’s Face for All Notes
The Reserve Bank of India designs Indian currency through its Department of Currency Management. Both the RBI and the Government of India approve every banknote design.
By the 1990s, printing and scanning technology had improved significantly. Traditional designs with monuments and symbols became easier to copy and forge.
Experts believed that:
- A human face is harder to counterfeit than buildings or symbols
- Gandhi had universal acceptance across India
- He was respected both nationally and internationally
Because of these reasons, the RBI chose Gandhi’s portrait for all denominations.
In 1996, the Mahatma Gandhi Series officially replaced the earlier Ashoka Pillar based designs. From that point onward, Gandhi’s smiling portrait appeared on every Indian banknote.
Mahatma Gandhi New Series of Banknotes
In 2016, after demonetisation, the RBI introduced the Mahatma Gandhi New Series of currency notes.
What changed in the new series:
Colours and sizes of the notes
Improved security features
What remained the same:
Gandhi’s portrait on the front of every note
The reverse side of these notes also features the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan logo, highlighting cleanliness and national responsibility.
Why No Other Leader Appears on Indian Currency
Over the years, people have suggested adding images of other leaders, gods, and goddesses to Indian currency. However, the RBI has consistently rejected these ideas.
In 2014, then Finance Minister Arun Jaitley informed the Lok Sabha that an RBI panel reviewed this matter. The panel concluded that no other personality represents India’s values, unity, and ethos better than Mahatma Gandhi.
Because of this decision, Gandhi remains the only individual whose portrait appears on Indian banknotes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did Gandhi’s photo first appear on Indian currency?
He first appeared on a commemorative note in 1969, marking his 100th birth anniversary.
2. When did Gandhi become a permanent feature on all banknotes?
Gandhi’s portrait became permanent on all Indian banknotes in 1996.
3. Is the image on Indian currency a painting?
No, it is a cut out from a real photograph taken in 1946.
4. Why did RBI choose a human face over monuments?
A human face is harder to counterfeit and easier to recognize.
5. Did demonetisation remove Gandhi’s photo from notes?
No, his image remained on all notes even after demonetisation.
6. Why does India not include other leaders on currency?
The RBI believes no other leader represents India’s values as strongly as Mahatma Gandhi.
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